Summer Camps at the Dallas Arboretum

Summer Camps

June 4 - August 10, 2018 | Registration open now!

Register by April 1 and save $25 per camp! Discount code: CAMP25

This discount only applies to week-long camps, and cannot be applied to aftercare.

Dallas Arboretum Summer Camps provide children with hands-on explorations in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) and nature that will spark their imagination and inspire environmental stewardship. Camps also integrate critical thinking, problem solving skills and develop a sense of exploration and adventure in children.

Camps are designed for specific ages or grades. Children need to be the designated age or grade by the date the camp occurs. The grade level is the grade your child will be entering in the fall 2018.

If you are joining us for a half day camp, bring a small snack. Bring a lunch and a snack, if you are attending a full day camp.

Our new Camp Plus option lets you extend the fun up until 5 pm. Only available for select camps.

Little Critters | 3 year olds

Explore the world of squirrels, birds and spiders in this mini camp designed especially for your youngest campers. Preschoolers will have fun exploring where each animal lives, discovering what it eats and investigating its unique life cycle. Children must be fully potty-trained.

Back to the Future: STEM Explorers | ages 4 – Kindergarten

Ignite a passion for STEM in your youngster with this action packed camp! Campers will explore the world of paleontology, astronomy, volcanology & more! Take part in a dinosaur dig, experience a volcanic eruption and perform science experiments just like the astronauts. New investigations await you each day!

Creature Feature | ages 4-Kindergarten)

Go wild about animals this summer! Last year’s popular camp returns with ALL NEW garden critters!

Each day campers will explore the fascinating world of the animals that call the Arboretum home. Investigate where animals live, how they survive and what makes them unique. Hands-on explorations, games and nature safaris in the garden reveal the secrets of bunnies, frogs and more!

Creepy Crawlies | ages 4 – Kindergarten

Is your child crazy about bugs? Campers will investigate the mysterious lives of creatures that fly, wiggle, and creep around our gardens. Find out how these tiny critters live, eat and grow as they survive in our gigantic world. Hands-on investigations allow campers to gain insight on the fascinating world of bees, butterflies, worms, pill bugs and many more itty-bitty creatures.

Cool Science Explorations | 1st & 2nd grade

If you are into science, this camp is for you! Each day your child will experience the day as different scientists: botanist, geologist, chemist, meteorologist, physicist and more! Days will be action-packed with hands-on experiments and activities that integrate science with technology and engineering, such as learning how gardeners and greenhouses use robotics.

The Secret Life of Bugs | 1st & 2nd grade

Come and explore the secret life of bugs in this NEW CAMP! Hands-on investigations allow your child an insight into how bugs build their homes, catch their food and the tricks they use to thrive and survive. Race your teammates to build a tunnel maze, eat like a bug and create your very own unique critter to take home.

Adventure Camp Jr. | 3rd & 4th grade

In this specially-designed outdoors camp for adventurous kids, campers will work in teams to navigate the Arboretum, hike a local nature preserve and learn to kayak. While exploring nature and competing in fun team building challenges, campers will learn about their role in the environment.

SciQuest Jr. | 3rd & 4th grade

If you are into STEM, this NEW camp is for you! This week is packed with investigations that will explore space, engineering, chemistry, biology and oceanography. In conjunction with the University of North Texas, come experience the newest NASA mission, Touch the Sun, using VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) technology. Learn how modern greenhouses integrate STEM as you navigate a robot through the garden. Explore kinetic sculptures in our newest traveling exhibit then design and create your own nature-inspired wind sculpture using handheld 3D printers.

Adventure Camp | 5th – 7th grade

Come and experience adventure in Dallas’ great outdoors! Campers will work in teams to navigate the Arboretum, hike a local nature preserve and fish and kayak on White Rock Lake. Experience the ultimate thrill as you challenge yourself to complete a low ropes course. While exploring nature and competing in fun team building challenges, campers will learn about their role in the environment.

SciQuest | 5th – 7th grade

Last year’s wildly popular camp is back with all new STEM discoveries! This week is packed with fun investigations that explore space, engineering, chemistry, biology and oceanography.

In conjunction with the University of North Texas, come experience the newest NASA mission, Touch the Sun, using VR (Virtual Reality) and AR (Augmented Reality) technology. Learn how to code and navigate a VEX robot to complete garden based challenges. Explore kinetic sculptures in our newest traveling exhibit, then design and create your own nature-inspired structure. Learn to use a 3D printer and print your own unique souvenir to take home.